Unorthodox: The Scandalous Renunciation of My Hasidic Roots

Deborah Feldman grew up in an ultra-Orthodox community of Satmar Hasidim in Brooklyn, New York. This is the strictest and most conservative branch of modern Judaism: in the community, it is forbidden to read non-religious books, speak English, wear modern clothing, use the internet, receive secular education, watch movies, attend the theater, and visit the library. All areas of life for community members (especially women) are strictly regulated by religious prescriptions, and civil laws are of little significance. At 17, Deborah is married off to a man she has known for only half an hour — it is no surprise that the marriage brings no happiness. After becoming a mother at 19, Feldman realizes that now not only her future and freedom are at stake, and she decides to completely change her life. She builds an escape plan, gradually expands her world — reads secular literature in English, learns to drive, enrolls in university — and eventually leaves the community. Now Deborah Feldman is a writer, and she lives in Berlin with her son. Her autobiography became a global bestseller and formed the basis of the acclaimed Netflix series 'Unorthodox'.